Optimal Strategy

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Blue Delta SkyMiles vs. United TravelBank Card

Both cards were launched this week and geared towards the same target market — people who don't want to pay an annual fee and worry about counting points. The signup bonus for both cards are okay, not great.

With the Blue Delta SkyMiles card, unless you currently have five active American Express cards, there are not any rules you have to worry about.

In the short term, I think the Blue Delta SkyMiles is better than the United TravelBank card. If you are someone who spends a lot of travel with Delta, the Delta Gold card might be a better option.

In the long term, you can get a 2.4% return on spending when you factor in the 2% back on dining and Delta purchases.

Whether it makes sense to use the Blue Delta SkyMiles card for dining expenses and travel depends on which cards you have in your wallet. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you earn 3x back on dining and travel, so it wouldn't make sense to use the Blue Delta card.

If you have cards like the Discover It or Chase Freedom card, you can earn 5x back on dining during certain quarters.

Product change paths

The most interesting thing about the Blue Delta card is that it can be a downgrade path for the Delta Gold or Platinum. Before the Blue Delta came out, the only downgrade path for the Delta Platinum was to product change the card to a Delta Gold or cancel the card.

With the new card, you can keep your credit history alive, especially if you had a higher tier Delta card in the past.

If you had a Delta Gold or Platinum in the past and canceled it, an interesting approach would be to get the Blue Delta and upgrade offers from Amex. Upgrade offers usually aren't as good signup bonuses, but it's better than nothing.

Apple and Goldman Sachs will partner to create a new iPhone-connected credit card set to launch later this year. According to the WSJ, the card will integrate with the iPhone to track spending, points, and help with budget management.

Booking a flight with the right credit card can make or break a trip, especially if unexpected delays happen. Missed connections or canceled flights can leave a hole in your wallet, and some airlines will only provide food vouchers and overnight accommodations if the delay with within their control.

There’s a misconception going around that the Amex Platinum card earns 5x on ALL hotel stays. To clarify, the Amex Platinum only earns 5x points when you book hotel nights through amextravel.com or the Fine Hotels and Resorts Collection (FHR).

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

AskSebby Disclaimer: Content on AskSebby represents one individual’s experiences and viewpoints, and your experience may differ. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor a legal or tax professional. Articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. Research and obtain professional advice regarding all credit decisions before attempting to duplicate any of the techniques described on this website.